Chapter 87 - You Let Me See This?
Yin Xu, evidently prepared, promptly produced a book from his garment and handed it to Teng Yu, a mysterious gleam in his eyes. “Behold, I've made clear annotations.”
Teng Yu glimpsed the booklet's cover, sensing a familiar aura.
Flipping to the initial page, he encountered two disheveled figures engaged in animated conversation, their hands exploring beneath each other's attire, the implications evident.
“Pah!” He shut the book, staring incredulously at Yin Xu. “You expect me to peruse this? And dare claim it's not the dual cultivation I had in mind?”
“Patience. Don't fixate solely on the figures; the adjacent text holds the essence.”
More content? Captivated by the recent imagery, Teng Yu had overlooked it entirely.
Though his cheeks warmed, he refused to display vulnerability before Yin Xu, resuming his study with a composed facade.
Initially drawn back to the intertwined forms, he averted his gaze, finally noticing a line of minuscule text in the bottom right corner.
The handwriting struck him as familiar, albeit with occasional errors; nevertheless, comprehension dawned.
“As the adage goes, dual cultivation entails intertwining life forces. The essence of intimacy parallels that of nature. One spirit equals the essence of nature, one breath equals the essence of nature. Nature symbolizes the heart, life embodies the form. Intimacy represents my spiritual essence, life embodies my existence…”
Continuing to peruse, the depicted man's attire began to recede, unveiling a well-defined torso.
Teng Yu stole a glance at both figures, inwardly reflecting: My complexion pales in comparison to Yin Xu's, and my physique lacks his robustness.
Despite Yin Xu's diminished frame and seemingly ideal physique, it retained a certain suppleness, lacking the typical robustness of men.
He noticed several acupoints highlighted on the partially disrobed individual, each accompanied by an explanatory note detailing their effects and suggesting how stimulating these points during moments of emotional intimacy could foster… flirtation.
Progressing further, the figure's movements grew increasingly exposed. Garments vanished entirely, each anatomical detail meticulously rendered.
Annotations littered each page, varying in detail. Some merely elucidated marked acupoints, while others delineated step-by-step instructions on internal energy circulation within the body.
As the characters in the painting reached their climax, Yin Xu devoted ample time to elucidate precautions. Gripping the book, Teng Yu felt an unexpected heat in his palm upon encountering the explicit descriptions.
“Do you comprehend?” A clear, melodious voice whispered near his ear.
“Ahem, ahem…” Teng Yu instinctively shut the book, his cheeks ablaze, nodding hastily. “Given the meticulous detail, understanding naturally follows.”
“Excellent. If you encounter any queries, feel free to ask.”
“You understand?” Teng Yu turned abruptly, his expression complex.
“Naturally. Among the Demonic Cultivators, more than half engage in dual cultivation. As an ancient entity within the Demonic Cultivator realm, having lived for over a millennium, how could Yin Xu be unaware?”
“Hehe, I penned this. I understand it well, but practice will reveal its true utility.”
Teng Yu's gaze, previously fixed on him, shifted away. “Mn, when do you wish to commence?”
Yin Xu moved closer, patting his shoulder. “This matter surpasses laissez-faire; await your readiness.” This dual cultivation technique promised mutual benefits, harnessing both yang and yin energies without jeopardizing Teng Yu's foundation—it was truly remarkable!
Teng Yu found himself willing to undertake anything. Shouldn't the other party be more reluctant? Why did they seem so eager?
Was he being overly deliberate? Perhaps the other had harbored long-standing desires?
They pondered each other's intentions, snapping back to reality after a while.
Teng Yu safeguarded the tome diligently. Initially placed beneath his pillow by Han Sen, it had vanished at some point, reappearing in Yin Xu's possession, now transformed into a textbook of merit.
“I wonder what mood that rascal was in when he filled these pages.”
“Let's go, I'll introduce you to the residents of this courtyard and observe their progress in Flame Yang Spell cultivation.” Teng Yu ushered Yin Xu out.
Were it not for the faint blush tinting his earlobes, Yin Xu would've mistaken him for indifferent.
“They've only just begun practicing. Their induction into the sect suffices. Is there much to observe?” Yin Xu queried as they traversed, these individuals handpicked by Teng Yu numbered close to a hundred.
“It can't hurt to take a glance.”
Exiting the training chamber, he noted the aged edifices surrounding them. Unattended, they seemed deserted.
Yet Yin Xu knew within the northern courtyard resided not only occupants but also the cream of the Third Prince Mansion.
Those granted access to Flame Yang Spell training by Teng Yu were assuredly his trusted confidants.
Passing by two rows of dwellings, they reached an open-air training ground. Presently, the selected individuals were engaged in cultivation.
At the sound of approaching footsteps, some stirred, while others roused their comrades with whistles.
Upon sighting Teng Yu, they straightened, kneeling. “Your Highness.”
“Hmm, how fares your progress?” Teng Yu inquired of Han Qing, standing before him.
Despite serving as his personal protector, Han Qing also led the Dark Guard, an indispensable asset.
“Progress is slow. Currently, fewer than twenty can manifest yang energy.” The Flame Yang Spell demanded relentless yang energy, distinct from conventional cultivation techniques. This potent energy wielded greater power, but also posed greater challenges.
Teng Yu furrowed his brow, sharing his cultivation insights with the group; however, he emphasized that progress largely depended on individual comprehension.
Standing nearby, Yin Xu listened intently for a prolonged period, then pondered before inquiring, “Are there any volcanoes or hot springs nearby?”
“There are numerous hot springs in the vicinity, but as for volcanoes… I've only encountered them in books,” replied Teng Yu.
“Then arrange for a hot spring manor where these individuals can cultivate. Remember, optimal results come from the hottest environments,” instructed Yin Xu, turning to Teng Yu for confirmation.
Han Qing awaited Teng Yu's command, recognizing that the Huo Family's Seventh Young Master warranted special treatment.
Having been acquainted with the Seventh Young Master of the Huo Family for so long, Han Qing understood he couldn't treat him as an ordinary youth; even the Third Prince seldom contradicted his directives.
Reflecting on his training experiences, Teng Yu grasped the essence of Yin Xu's suggestion.
“It's not too late yet, but since you've already reached the second level, that location wouldn't benefit you,” noted Teng Yu.
“Haha, how could it be of no use?” Teng Yu responded with a playful glance. “Given the cold weather, we've yet to enjoy a proper soak. Let's depart tomorrow, showcasing the extent of this prince's regard for Seventh Young Master Huo.”
Yin Xu anticipated the ensuing gossip in the capital. Tomorrow, rumors would circulate about the Third Prince and the Huo Family's Seventh Young Master indulging in a hot spring excursion.
“Then let's proceed,” Yin Xu acquiesced, recognizing that, amidst the ongoing tension between the First and Second Princes, dealing with the Third Prince wasn't a priority.
Importantly, it would afford him respite from the Huo Family's persistent inquiries.
Since the start of the new year, representatives of the Huo Family visited him daily.
Initially, he anticipated Huo Zhengquan's personal intervention; however, to his surprise, there had been no such confrontation.
After offering guidance, Teng Yu escorted Yin Xu through the secret passage back to his chambers, where he retired for the night after cleansing himself.
Meanwhile, snow fell outside, casting a glow on the Huo Family's main hall, where Mrs. Huo tended to her injured son.
“Your father is strict, but why such severity? Training takes time; rushing achieves nothing,” she lamented.
Huo Yiloong winced in pain, observing his battered reflection in the mirror. “Father isn't merely stern; he's incensed, likely due to Huo Tian's recent antics, plunging our family into disarray.”
“Angry for him? Is it necessary to go to such lengths?” Mrs. Huo's lips twitched. “After all, I'm the one who sent that child away; he shouldn't direct his frustration towards you.”
Huo Yiloong shook his head. “It's also because of my lack of progress. My cultivation hasn't advanced in two months. Father likely sees it as laziness on my part.”
Despite not being the most gifted within the Huo Family, Huo Yiloong's rapid cultivation had garnered him favor. However, his stagnation over the past two months led him to question his diligence.
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